Sun Safety Guidance

The ECB have issued the following update to all clubs via their clubs and leagues bulletin. In case you haven’t received this, please could you take note and pass on accordingly, particularly to captains of senior teams and coaches of any junior teams playing over the coming days.

Wiltshire Cricket wishes everybody a safe and enjoyable weekend of Cricket.

ECB Sun Safety Guidance

Temperatures across England and Wales are set to top 30oC in the coming days. We won’t be issuing specific instructions on how clubs and leagues should navigate this unusually warm weather. However, we felt it necessary to highlight the duty of care that the game has over players and officials whilst on the cricket field.

As always, the ground, weather and light remain under the jurisdiction of umpires / coaches. Below are some pointers that may help ‘Get the Game On’ this weekend.

KEEP HYDRATED:

  • take extra drinks breaks .e.g. every 10 overs and also allows drinks to be brought on at the fall of each wicket.
  • replace lost electrolytes

EMBRACE IN THE SHADE:

  • use sun cream, wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves
  • create additional shaded areas for the batting side
  • employ a 12th man to rotate fielders where competition regulations allow

LIMIT PEAK SUN EXPOSURE:

  • If possible, consider rescheduling matches or training away from the middle of the afternoon when the sun will be hottest#

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT:

The Grounds Management Association have published an essential guide for Cricket Grounds Managers on:

  • working safely in the heat and sun, and
  • how to adapt your pitch preparation and maintenance to keep pitches playing safely in dry, hot conditions.

You and your groundstaff can view the guidance on the GMA Toolkit for Cricket homepage

Above all we encourage everyone look out for each other and to stay alert to signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Symptoms include - dizziness, headaches, nausea.

Note the heat poses an even greater risk to children so we recommend being particularly cautious with activity involving under 18s.